By Francisco Guzman and Nadeem Muaddi, CNN Updated 4:14 PM ET, Sun February 14, 2021 Cars race through the front stretch at Daytona International Speedway during a NASCAR Daytona 500 practice session on Wednesday, February 10. (CNN)If you like fast cars and furious drivers, NASCAR's Daytona 500 is the event for you. The 63rd Here's what you need to know to enjoy the big day: What is the Daytona 500? The Daytona 500, also called the "Great American Race," kicked off in 1959. But it only became NASCAR's season-opening race in 1982. Read More It's a 200-lap, 500-mile-long race held at the Daytona International Speedway. Forty drivers compete, and the winner takes home a replica of the Harley J. Earl Trophy and about $1.5 million.